6.0

Comics Bulletin - Dave Wallace May 24, 2004

After a promising first issue, Mark Millar settles into the meat of his 12-part Spider-Man tale... or does he? Whilst the opening pages play out some satisfyingly realistic concerns often neglected in comics plotting, the rest of the issue seems to take a left turn into irrelevant territory, felling downright illogical at times (couldn't there be better reasoning provided for an Avengers/Spidey throwdown?) and leading to a final cliffhanger which is less than thrilling. Despite some good writing and well-suited art, one has to hope that the next issue will put the more immediate plot-driven concerns back on track, and provide more thrills and character exploration and less nonsensical diversions than are apparent this time around. Read Full Review
6.0

Comics Bulletin - Jason Cornwell May 16, 2004

However, there are some solid character moments in this issue, as the opening scene between Peter and Mary Jane is a wonderfully written sequence, as is the scene where Spider-Man confronts Norman Osborn in his cell, as the scene drips with menace. As for the art, the Dodsons turn in a wonderfully polished style that manages to perfectly convey Peter's distress in the opening sequence as he's urges Mary Jane to safety, and while I found the battle to be a bit disappointing there are some lovely action shots, with Quicksilver's arrival being particularly impressive. Read Full Review